Hi, I’m Julie!

Every month, thousands of moms like you drop by Playing for Hours and it’s so great to have you here! Whether you’re hunting for play filled learning activities, inspired homeschool lessons, encouragement in your homeschool journey, or just a reminder that you’re not alone in the mess, this is your spot. Let’s find the fun together—one sticky handprint at a time.

I’m seven years deep into this adventure with my three lively boys. Before I was a high school math teacher. I knew then that one day we would homeschool and here we are, 4 years in! Now, I’m here to share what’s worked for us—practical, playful, and real solutions that I hope will lighten your load too.

I’m all about creating a home where play is the heartbeat of our days. I’m passionate about filling our space with laughter, imagination, and connection—because to me, joy is everything. I get to share that passion with you here. I love offering encouragement, fun ideas, and practical resources to help moms and kids bring more play into their lives. Whether it’s a hands-on activity, a silly game, or just a nudge to slow down and enjoy the moment, I’m here to cheer you on.

I adore my role as the keeper of our home—it’s where I feel most myself. Cooking hearty meals for my crew, baking goodies that make the house smell like heaven, knitting something cozy, tending my garden, or looking after our quirky backyard chickens—these are the things that light me up. Homemaking isn’t just a job to me; it’s my creative outlet, my way of pouring love into my family, and I hope to inspire others to find that same joy in their everyday tasks.

When I’m not wrangling my boys or brainstorming new ideas for the blog, you might catch me sipping tea with a good book, dreaming up my next project, or just soaking in the wild, wonderful chaos of life with my family. I’m so glad you’re here—because I truly believe that play has the power to transform our homes and our hearts, and I’d love for you to join me on this journey.

This isn’t about perfection; it’s about relationships. A home thrives on a momma’s energy—let’s find the laughter and joy in this motherhood mess together.

Blessings to you and yours!

-Julie

A little about me.

I’m a small-town Michigan girl who gave city life a whirl but couldn’t resist the country’s call back home.

I’ve got a big heart for nurturing my family, tending our homestead, and sprinkling a little beauty into every day. When I’m not homeschooling my kiddos, I’m lost in something I adore—knitting cozy treasures, sewing sweet keepsakes, baking goodies that warm the soul, or snapping photos of life’s little joys.

Our homestead’s my haven, where I dig in the garden and watch it bloom alongside my family. Whether I’m crafting with my hands or giggling with my boys and hubby around the table, I’m all about creating a life full of love, faith, play, and whimsy. So happy you’re here!